Clover

Many small merchants think that only large merchants have security breaches, but honestly, that is just not true. Small businesses are a substantial target for data breeches. As a First Data company, we take your security serious. First Data has partnered with TransArmor, a multi-layered security and compliance solution that helps merchants to protect their data, their customers and their brand. By offering Clover® to our clients, we know that your clients are protected too.

Clover has gone the extra mile to show that our advanced solutions are among the most secure in the industry. Clover Mini, Clover Mobile, and Clover Flex P2PE (point-to-point encryption) solution has been validated as a PCI Security Standards Council solution. This means Clover POS terminals along with First Data TransArmor have met comprehensive, rigorous, independent testing to validate our P2PE implementation. The strength of the Clover P2PE solution comes from its secure processor. ALL card data (swipe, dip, or tap) is immediately encrypted with TransArmor in the secure processor giving a distinct security advantage over software solutions. What does this mean for your business? That the card data never leaves the Clover terminal unencrypted – keeping you clientele safe!

Did you know that Locally owned businesses pick the products they sell based on what they know you like and want? Local businesses carry a broader selection of exceptional products because they buy for their own individual markets. They have YOU in mind!

Each community has its own distinct personality and therefore shop accordingly. When you purchase online from a large retailer not in your area, it makes it harder for the local store to follow the local trends. Even the larger stores in the area are following local trends, so why not take advantage of the fact that you can walk in and check it out personally, before you buy? Overall you not only support a local shop owner, but you save money on high quality products picked with You in mind!

At Targeted Merchant Solutions, we get Shop Local. We work with our individual store owners to help them keep their POS purchases down so that they can pass the savings onto you. Not only do we help them with their purchase power, but we are there around the clock when their systems go down, they have a cc issue, or better yet, we can personally come to their store and make sure that everything is up to date and running smoothly. Bigger POS companies cannot do that. But we can! Because we have YOU in mind! From the shop owner to the local resident making purchases, we want your experience to be the best.

Contact us to learn more on how we can help your place of business better overall. We are more than a POS company! We are a small business just like YOU!

Clover is THE all-in-one business management tool offering far more than your standard POS. Not only does it take multiple payments including credit and debit, chip and mobile solutions, you can manage staff & inventory, view reports, analytics, and build a loyalty program from your customer database. Oh, and di we mention that Clover staff are industry experts? Not only is Clover extremely easy to set up, but it offers a minimal learning curve so that your staff is ready to go in no time.

Worried that it can’t handle your business? The app marketplace will expand the already filled functionality and is Cloud Based so your back office accessible from anywhere that you are! And one of our client’s FAVorite features is that the Clover POS has a large, easy to read touch screen and makes the visual interface simple to use. It was also built with amazing report data and insights. Transaction data can be broken down to show sales trends, know who, what, and when they are buying, and more.

So, if you are ready to upgrade to the BEST POS system around, give us a shout and we will show you the way!

First of all, have you looked at the reviews of the new Clover system? With technology updating at a rate faster than butter melting on a piece of toast, it is a breathe of fresh air to know that someone somewhere cares enough to keep up with technology for us all. As a business owner, security is the number one thing we have to worry about today. Most of the credit card companies offer some sort of fraud protection, but if that credit/debit card is number is stolen from your store, then that customer may come after you. With the new Clover, the have built in what they like to call “Next-level security” – meaning that they have gone above and beyond what others are doing to make sure that you can relax because they have you covered. With an integrated EMV chip and signature reader, fingerprint reader for secure employee login, and over 20 pre-installed apps (and even more options in the Clover App Market). The new Clover also plays nice with others by working seamlessly with all Clover devices designed to support business transactions at the counter or online.

But that’s not all this new upgraded baby can do! It is compatible with a variety of accessories, from barcode scanners and weight scales to kitchen printers – you name it, they probably have it or are already thinking about it. It also offers two different styles of printers (this one you have to see to believe!), it has a built-in camera for barcode scanning and QR code-based payments, and best of all it has 24/7 support every. single. day.

Did I win you over? If not, be sure to check out this awesome video from Cloverhere.

One of the greatest advantages to the Clover® family is the fact that it is constantly evolving to better serve merchants. The automatic updates allow for you to run your business without worrying about scheduling updates, or even having to pay to keep your POS system up-to-date. Last week, our team learned about new Clover updates that will add even more convenience to your business’ day-to-day. With Clover® there is something for everyone. If you already use a Clover®, you can go ahead and take advantage of these features. Not a Clover® merchant, but want the awesome benefits? Let us know how we can help?

Clover Employee Login Cards

Now your employees can use a secure employee card to clock in and out for their shift. This feature adds a level of confidence for managers and owners in knowing that employees are properly clocking in and out.

Bar Tabs

We are truly excited about this new update. No more adding an additional app to manage your bar tabs. From within the Register app on your Clover, you and your team can add and manage bar tabs with ease. This has been, by far, the most requested feature for the Clover POS, and now that it is here, the Clover feels like a complete package for bars and restaurants.

Clover Online Listings

Go beyond payment acceptance and drive more online and offline traffic to your business. The new Clover Online Listings tool offers a free scan of 70+ sites across the web to check the accuracy of your online business listings. After the scan, you have the option to manage and update any and all information found online. This can assist in building brand awareness and turn searchers into buyers.

Click & Collect

Want to simply offer in-store pickup without adding the extra manpower to support it? Easy. Clover Click & Collect gives you the configurable option to let your customers choose whether to ship or pick up on site directly from the website checkout. Your inventory is adjusted accordingly, so it’s smooth sailing.

Payments Plus – Clover Online Access

Now, ALL Clover merchants, including Payments Plus merchants, have access to the Clover Online tool. Get started with a streamlined website for your business today.

Targeted Merchant Solutions knows that there is no one size fits all solution for payment acceptance. We are a part of the process with your business each step of the way to ensure you’re getting the best fit. If you are ready to find out a better way to process, let us know! We would love to help your business accept all payment types and successfully grow!

Accepting payments on the go is becoming the norm for many types of businesses. Not only is it simpler for you and your customers, but it adds peace of mind to you knowing the payment is accepted and completed. From in-store retailers to in-the-field services, taking payments when you’re on the move is a sure way to add efficiency and convenience when it comes to easily getting payments and deposits.

Clover™ Go is the solution for your business to accept payments from virtually anywhere. All you need is a smartphone or tablet and a free hand.

Features:

Inventory Tracking – You shouldn’t have to track inventory separately, and with Clover™ Go, you don’t have to.

Bluetooth® Connectivity – The new Clover™ Go pairs with your phone through Bluetooth® connection. Wire free is the way to be.

Serious Security – Through the entire transaction process, you can ensure your customers’ data is secure.

Taxes & Tips – Multiple tax rates, set tip percentages

Paperless Receipts – Your customers can choose to have receipts emailed or texted for convenience.

Total Control – Give your employees the access to see the things they need and nothing more.

Constant Support – All day, everyday support to help you when you need it.

No Cost Clover™ Go*

For the month of September, Targeted Merchant Solutions is giving a Clover™ Go at no cost to new merchants! Aren’t you ready to add convenience and secure payment processing to your day-to-day? Let us help you get started.

Is it For My Business?

Any business can benefit from having on-the-go payment technology. Brick and mortar retail stores can step out from behind the counter to engage with customers and eliminate long lines with Clover™ Go. Service providers that work in the field can simply accept payments right on the job, preventing errors and security issues. It’s true that your business can benefit from Clover™ Go.

*Targeted Merchant Solutions will provide a new Clover™ Go device to any new merchant who signs an agreement on or before September 30, 2017. There is a $39 initial setup fee. This promotion is while supplies last. Quantity is limited.

We have said it before, and we will say it again, your business NEEDS an online presence. No matter your industry, an online presence is becoming increasingly vital for any business. There are many ways that you can setup a website for your business, but now it’s become a part of your payment processing.

Clover Online is an app that come pre-installed on Clover devices. If you have a Clover device, then you have the ability to utilize Clover Online and the impressive tools it has to offer. So, the same amazing product that you use to accept payments and run your business will now allow you to setup and manage your online presence with incredible ease! It really is that simple.

Three Options to Choose From

With Clover Online, you can choose from three different plans to find the one that best suits the needs for your business. Clover Online Basic, Clover Online Plus, and Clover Online Pro are the three plan options that have been developed for businesses. If you are looking for a simple one page site with contact information and some detail about your business, then Clover Online Basic will provide just what you need. For those looking for more customization and detail, the Plus and Pro options have the features you will need.

The plans include hosting for your website, more than 20 design templates, and the ability to use 100,000+ professional stock images for your site. You can even use your own domain. Each site is mobile-friendly and will automatically render on any device.

What Are You Waiting For?

Clover Users

Restaurants and retailers can have a site that seamlessly syncs with Clover inventory, orders, and customers. E-commerce and social media integration are also available. With that said, what are you waiting for? If you already use a Clover device, then take it a step farther and start your Clover Online web presence today because it is already pre-installed on your Clover Web Dashboard. There’s no downloading or creating an account necessary. Find out the quick steps to get started here.

Ready for Clover

If you still haven’t found out what all the hype is about with Clover, it’s time. Targeted Merchant Solutions is your Clover headquarters. Demo it, live it, and love it. It’s that awesome. Aren’t you ready to kick things up a notch with your business? Find out how we can help you take it to a new level.

Step 3: Online Presence

At this point in the game, your business should be equipped with your checkout counter point-of-sale and a solution like Clover™ Flex. The third step in accepting payments and boosting business is to have an online presence. You can easily set up a simple online store for an added convenience for your customers and to attract new customers from practically anywhere.

Retailers

While your primary focus may be sales in your brick and mortar store, you can’t deny that having an online presence will allow for new growth that the storefront just can’t attain. When you have a Clover POS in your business, you can seamlessly integrate your current inventory into an online store. Once your store is up and going, payment processing is also a breeze. Your customers will be able to enter their payment information and checkout quickly and simply.

Restaurants

Menu, please.

It’s true what they say, “if there’s no online menu, I’m not going there.” Oh, you’ve never heard that? Well, believe it! In July 2015, a whopping 86% of diners said they check out a restaurant’s menu online before choosing to go.* That was two years ago, so those numbers are likely even higher now. Your online presence can mean big business for you, even if it is just a simple website with your current full menu.

Go beyond the menu.

You don’t have to stop at the menu–think bigger and boost your business by offering online reservations and ordering. According to Business Insider**, “Orders placed via smartphone will make up more than 10% of all quick-service restaurant sales by 2020, Business Insider Intelligence projects. At that point, mobile ordering is expected to be a $38 billion industry.”

…mobile ordering is expected to be a $38 billion industry.

Let’s Do This

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re only at step one, accepting payments at the counter in your business, or you’ve got your countertop POS and on-the-go payment solutions but are without an online presence, you can accept payments and boost your business with ease. Let Targeted Merchant Solutions help you get started today!

Step 2: On-the-go Payments

In the previous Smooth Operations post about the 3 steps to accepting payments and boosting your business, step 1 focused on your in-house POS/terminal. Step 2 is on-the-go payments. Being able to accept payments away from the counter can be very advantageous for your business because it can help keep lines short and keep customers moving quickly. It can also offer increased customer interaction, which studies have found is an important element of the checkout experience according to most patrons.* Whether a retail store or restaurant, your business can benefit from accepting payments away from the counter and on-the-go.

Retailers

When your business is faced with busyness, it can sometimes seems like the checkout counter(s) aren’t enough to get the job done. Customers lined up waiting can be overwhelming to employees and annoying to customers. Now, imagine if you could take the checkout to the customer…eliminating the chaos and annoyance.

Restaurants

At-the-table checkout is not just a huge convenience for customers, but it also prevents the risk associated with servers having to carry around customers’ cards to and from the point-of-sale system or terminal.

CloverTM Flex

So, how do you start accepting on-the-go payments at your business? Allow us to introduce the Clover Flex. It might be small in size, but it packs a mighty punch. It allows you to accept all forms of payments wherever you are: cash, gift cards, credit, debit, EMV, ApplePay, Android Pay, and NFC payments. It also accepts signatures and prints the receipt on the spot, so there is no need to go back and forth to the counter at any point during the transaction.

Clover Flex even tracks sales in real time and manages your inventory and communicates with your other Clover family products. Flex can be the tool to take your business to the next level. No matter your business, being able to accept payments away from the checkout counter is your step 2 for payment acceptance.

Customer Loyalty Programs For the Win

Rewarding your loyal customers is a practice that just makes sense. There are now so many simple ways to track and honor those customers that keep coming back for more. If your business already has a CloverTM product, then you’re probably already taking advantage of this awesome reporting with the free Rewards app, but what are you doing to treat your VIP customers like royalty? If you’re stumped on how to get a customer loyalty program started, we can help!

Why?

Aside from the obvious, they’ll keep on coming around idea, why should you implement a loyalty program? Two words: social media. It is almost too easy for us to share the ins and outs of our day with hundreds plus people, even strangers. And when given freebies, discounts, and perks for sticking with you, your customers are going to let their friends and maybe even the world know how awesome you are. Then those friends, strangers, your customer’s sister’s boyfriend’s grandma, etc. are going to come check out your business and maybe even become VIP customers themselves. If that doesn’t give you the warm fuzzies, we’re not sure what will.

How?

So, what are you going to offer and how? Get creative and think like a customer. If you own a coffee shop, an occasional free cup of coffee will certainly perk up a regular customer. For spas and salons, add on an additional treatment like a paraffin wax dip or 10 minute extra massage time. Restaurants owners, treat your regulars with a free appetizer or dessert. Retail and gift shops, offer free gift wrap or even additional coupons here and there. On top of offering little freebies or bonuses, go out of your way to acknowledge that customer is a VIP. A simple, “glad to see you back!” can go a long way.

Saying “thanks” with discounts and rewards is a great way to keep your loyal customers happy and encourage growth, so why not get started today? Let your VIP customers know they are appreciated and treat their loyalty like royalty!